US Secretary of State Rubio voices desire for regime change in Cuba

2026-01-28 - 19:20

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has openly expressed the American government's desire for a change of leadership in Cuba, declining to rule out support for such an outcome. During a Senate hearing focused on Venezuela on Wednesday, Rubio stated, "I think we would like to see the regime there change," framing it as a beneficial development for the United States. Comments Follow Military Action in Venezuela The remarks come amidst intense international scrutiny of US policy in Latin America, following a January 3 military operation that resulted in the capture and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. When asked directly if he would rule out pursuing regime change in Cuba, Rubio replied, "Oh no." He clarified, "That doesn't mean that we're going to make a change, but we would love to see a change," and argued that ending Cuba's "autocratic regime" would greatly benefit US interests. Rubio Defends Administration's Hemispheric Posture Rubio used the hearing to defend the administration's handling of the Venezuela operation, emphasizing that no further military actions were currently anticipated. However, his explicit comments regarding Cuba signal a continued hardline approach toward leftist governments in what the US historically considers its sphere of influence. This stance aligns with the broader "Donroe Doctrine" rhetoric associated with the Trump administration, which asserts dominant US control over the Western Hemisphere. Implications for Regional Sovereignty and Stability The public articulation of a desire for regime change in a sovereign nation is likely to heighten diplomatic tensions in Latin America and the Caribbean. For nations that prioritize national sovereignty and non-intervention, such as Türkiye, these developments underscore a pattern of unilateral foreign policy actions that challenge established international norms. The situation raises questions about the stability of regional relations and the potential for further confrontations.